Night 1 · September 3

Student Film
Competition

A short-film opportunity for local student filmmakers to create, be selected by the festival board, and see their work presented at Quaker Cinema.

Submit a student film Read the rules

Cash prizes

Three awards.
One big screen.

The festival board will screen all eligible submissions, select the films shown on Night 1, and determine the competition winners.

First place$300

Second place$200

Third place$100

Student entries

Eligibility and film requirements

If you are a local student filmmaker, send a short film the board can review for the September 3 program.

Who can enter

High-school students in grades 9 through 12.
Graduating seniors entering their first semester of college are also eligible.
Students must be enrolled in a school district in Tuscarawas, Stark, or Holmes County.
Students may work individually or in teams of up to five people.
No prior filmmaking experience is necessary.

Film requirements

Maximum runtime is five minutes, plus up to 30 seconds of credits.
Please submit original work and music, footage, images, and other material you have permission to use.
Films may be shot on any device, including a phone, DSLR, mirrorless camera, or action camera.
Submit a viewable cloud or streaming link and include the password when required.

How films are considered

Story and creativity.
Technical execution, including visuals, sound, editing, and pacing.
Originality and overall audience impact.
Suitability for the Night 1 program.

What happens after entry

The festival board reviews eligible submissions.
The board chooses which films are included in the Night 1 program.
Selected filmmakers receive details before the September 3 screening.
Submitting a film does not guarantee that it will be selected for screening.

Night 1 at Quaker Cinema

A real festival experience.

The student showcase is more than a playlist of shorts. The board will guide the audience through the program and give winning filmmakers time in the spotlight.

01A board member introduces each selected short before it starts.

02Student films screen for the festival audience.

03First, second, and third place awards are presented.

04Winning filmmakers take part in a brief audience Q&A.

Free tools

Start with the story.

Students do not need expensive gear. These official resources can help with filming, editing, music, and writing.

Send us your student short.

Entries are welcomed through August 15, 2026.

Open the student form

Student FilmCompetition

We would love to see what you create.

Three awards.One big screen.